Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
Built-in Bluetooth
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
Remote Control

Display Features

Detachable Face: The MEX-BT3900U features a detachable face for theft prevention. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.

Caution Alarm: If you turn the ignition switch to the Off position without detaching the front-panel, the caution alarm will sound for a few seconds. The alarm will only sound if the built-in amplifier is used.

13-Segment, 1-Line LCD Display: The Sony Xplod MEX-BT3900U features a 13-Segment, 1-line LCD display with white backlit text and a black background for viewing station and song information.

Auto Scroll: This feature allows long displayed items to scroll automatically across the display when the track is changed on a disc.

Dimmer: The MEX-BT3900U feature a dimmer mode to dim the brightness of the display. You can choose from either "Dim On" or Dim Off".

Display Illumination/Clock Display: Pressing the Source/Off button once will switch sources. Pressing and holding the Source/Off button for one second will turn off audio output, but the clock display and button illumination remain on. To turn the unit off completely, you must press and hold the Source/Off button for two seconds.

Selectable Button Illumination: The Sony MEX-BT3900U offers selectable red or blue key illumination to complement your vehicle's interior lighting.

Auto Off: When installing in a vehicle without an accessory power wire at the radio location, you can set the unit to turn off all lighting a set amount of time after you turn the power off. The Auto Off feature can be set to 30 seconds, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or No.

Audio Section

True Fidelity Sound Construction: The Sony Xplod MEX-BT3900U CD receiver features a newly developed sound processor for less distortion, an S-MOSFET IC for smooth signal transmission, and a large-sized capacitor for deep bass sound.

Dynamic Reality Amp: The MEX-BT3900U is equipped with Sony's Dynamic Reality Amp to produce 3 dimensional sound staging for more realistic sound inside your vehicle.

24 Bit D/A Converter: The Sony MEX-BT3900U utilizes a 24-bit digital to analog converter for superior CD sound quality.

CEA2006 Compliant Amplifier: The power specifications for the Sony Xplod MEX-BT3900U are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the MEX-BT3900U are as follows:

• Continuous Power Output: 17 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
• Peak Power Output: 52 watts x 4-channels (208 total watts)

Three Pairs Of 2V Preamp Outputs: The MEX-BT3900U contains three pairs of 2-volt RCA preamp outputs - a front channel pair, rear channel pair, and subwoofer channel pair. The front and rear channel preamp outputs can be faded. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading.

Subwoofer Controls: The unit's subwoofer features a low pass filter with a selectable cut-off frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off. You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the high-pass crossover. You can adjust the subwoofer preamp output's volume level independently from the head unit's volume control from -10 to +10 in 1dB increments. In addition, you can select the phase of the subwoofer output from Normal or Reverse.

High-Pass Filter: The front and rear speaker outputs offer a selectable high-pass crossover frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off. You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the high-pass crossover.

Advanced Sound Engine: Sony's Advanced Sound Engine creates an ideal in-car sound field with digital signal processing. Advanced Sound Engine contains the following features: EQ7, Listening Position, DM+ Advanced, Rear Bass Enhancer, and Dynamic Loudness.

• EQ7: You can select an equalizer curve from eight music types - Xplod, Vocal, Edge, Cruise, Space, Gravity, Custom, or Off (Flat). The Custom EQ7 mode allows you to make your own equalizer settings. You can adjust the level (+/-6dB) of seven different frequency bands - Band1 (63Hz), Band2 (160Hz), Band3 (400Hz), Band4 (1kHz), Band5 (2.5khz), Band6 (6.3khz), and Band7 (16.0kHz).
• Listening Position: This unit can change the localization of sound by delaying the sound output from each speaker to suit your position, and simulate a natural sound field with the feeling of being in the center of it wherever you sit in the car. You can choose from Front Right, Front Left, Front Center, or Off. You can also set the subwoofer distance of the subwoofer to Near, Normal, or Far
• RBE (Rear Bass Enhancer): RBE enhances the bass sound by applying the low-pass filter setting to the rear speakers. This function allows the rear speakers to work as a subwoofer even if there is no subwoofer connected.
• Dynamic Loudness: Dynamic Loudness refers to compensating for volume level and signal gain.
• DM+ Advanced: DM+ Advanced improves digitally compressed sound by restoring high frequencies lost in the compression process (works only for USB).

Beep Tone: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

Radio Functions

SSIR-EXA AM/FM Tuner with RDS: The Sony MEX-BT3900U features a built-in SSIR-EXA AM/FM Tuner with RDS. Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when listening to compatible AM/FM stations. The MEX-BT3900U offers manual, seek and preset tuning.

Preset Tuning: The radio features 5 memory bands to store and receive AM/FM stations. You can store up to 6 presets each in FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1 and AM2 (total: 18 FM/12 AM). Preset tuning can be done manually or automatically.

• Best Tuning Memory (BTM): This feature selects stations with the best signals within the selected band and stores them in order of their frequency. You can select from FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and AM2.
• Manual Tuning: You can manually tune and find your favorite radio stations one by one for FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and AM2.

Local Seek Mode: In the Local Seek Mode, the unit will only tune in stations with very strong signals during Seek tuning.

Mono Mode: The Mono Mode allows you improve poor FM reception by selecting a monaural signal instead of a stereo signal.

HD Radio Ready: The MEX-BT3900U is compatible with Sony's optional XT-100HD add-on HD Tuner (158XT100HD, sold separately) through its UniLink Bus connection. HD Radio technology, where available, offers higher quality sound than conventional analog broadcasts and receives text data. HD Radio provides FM broadcasts that are equal to CD sound quality and AM broadcasts that are as good as analog FM stereo broadcasts. HD Radio also provides a variety of data, including station name, song title, artist name, album name, etc. Once connected, all AM and FM broadcasts are received by the XT-100HD. HD appears as an additional source, with five preset banks; HD1 (FM1), HD2 (FM2), HD3 (FM3), HD4 (AM1), and HD5 (AM2). In addition to conventional broadcasts, with HD Radio broadcasting it is possible to choose from up to 8 multicast programs (HD1 to HD8 and analog). There are also data programs for each program.

Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for connecting an optional satellite radio receiver to this head unit:

• SIRIUS Satellite Radio: To receive SIRIUS Satellite Radio, you can connect the optional SCC1 SiriusConnect Vehicle Tuner and the optional Sony SNYSC1 interface module (package item number 700SIRSONY, sold separately). You can also connect select dock-and-play and portable SIRIUS radios to the head unit via the Sony SNYSC1 interface module (607SNYSC1, sold separately) and the SiriusConnect Plug & Play Dock (607SCVDOC1, sold separately).
• XM Satellite: A portable XM satellite radio receiver can be connected to the head unit via the auxiliary input.

Disc Playback

Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio, CD-Text, and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs.

MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: The Sony MEX-BT3900U allows you to playback CD-Rs or CD-RWs loaded with MP3, WMA, or AAC songs (up to 320 kbps) recorded in ISO 9660 level 1 or 2, Joliet/Romeo, or Multi-Session. The MEX-BT3900U can support up 150 folders, and a combined 300 folders and files on a disc. The head unit will also display song information for MP3, WMA, and AAC music files (Joliet: up to 32 characters, Romeo: up to 64 characters).

Compressed Audio Display Information: The CD receiver can display the following CD-TEXT or ID3/WMA-tag information - Track number, Elapsed Playing Time, Song Title, Artist Name, or Album Label.

Quick-BrowZer: The unit's Quick-BrowZer feature allow you to search for a track on a MP3/WMA/AAC disc easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or Playlist).

Jump Mode: Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10 percent increments.

Zappin: With the Zappin feature, you can play music (files or folders) in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your CD.

Off Insert/Eject: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with the power off. The CD player will automatically reinsert the disc if it's ejected, but not removed for 20 seconds or more.

Auto Playback: The head unit will automatically begin disc playback, when a disc is inserted with the receiver set to a different source or powered off.

Mounting Angle: For proper CD playback, this unit must be mounted between 0 (horizontal) and 45 degrees

Built-in Bluetooth

Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth is a two-way wireless communication system allowing you to make and receive cell phone calls, and listen to a Bluetooth audio device. Bluetooth wireless technology operates on a 2.4GHZ frequency band within a range of about 10 meters (about 33 feet).

Bluetooth Communication: The Sony Xplod MEX-BT3900U has built-in Bluetooth (ver. 2.1 + EDR) hardware to integrate with Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones and audio players. The MEX-BT3900U supports a wide variety of Bluetooth profiles, including HFP (Hands-Free Profile), OPP (Object Push Profile), PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile), A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), and AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), so you can get the most from your Bluetooth-enabled devices.

• HFP 1.5 (Hands-Free Profile): Hands-free communication with your Bluetooth enabled cellular phone in the vehicle (incoming/outgoing calls supported).
• OPP (Object Push Profile): Phonebook transfer from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to the head unit.
• PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile): Phonebook access from your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone to the head unit.
• A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile): Music streaming from your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player to the head unit.
• AVRCP 1.3 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile): Basic music playback control of your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player from the head unit.

Pairing: Up to 9 phones or audio devices can be registered with the MEX-BT3900U (only one device can be used at a time). The unit can be set to automatically reconnect to the last connected Bluetooth device when the ignition is turned on.

Hands-Free Talk (HFP 1.5/OPP/PBAP): The Sony MEX-BT3900U supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone. Incoming calls can be answered manually or automatically through this head unit, while the ring tone is output from your car speakers and the caller's name or phone number is displayed on the head unit's LCD. Incoming calls can also be rejected if desired. The MEX-BT3900U has a built-in microphone located behind the detachable faceplate to carry on your side of the conversation. During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode. Using the MEX-BT3900U, you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways:

• Entering Phone #: Allows you to manually dial a phone number using the unit's control dial.
• Preset Dial: You can store up to 6 contacts in the preset dial for quick dialing.
• Phone Book: You can store up to 300 contacts in the unit's phone book. Up to a 40 character name can be input for each contact.
• Call History: The unit will store the last 20 calls, allowing you to select a previous phone number quickly from the list.
• Voice Dial: You can make a call using the voice tags stored on your connected cellular phone.

Optional External Microphone: The Sony XAMC10 (158XAMC10, sold separately) is an external microphone which can be connected to the MEX-BT3900U's rear-panel Mic input. The XAMC10 external microphone provides better performance in noisy environments than the integrated microphone found on the front-panel of the Sony head unit. The microphone features an attached 13' cord terminated by a right-angle male 3.5mm connector which plugs into the microphone input on the rear chassis of the Sony head unit. The microphone also includes an adjustable sun-visor clip and a self-adhesive dash mount for mounting the external microphone in your vehicle.

Music Streaming (A2DP 1.2/AVRCP 1.3): You can listen to music from an audio device that supports A2DP Bluetooth technology. Cellular phones that support A2DP and have music stored in its memory can be played through this head unit. You can listen to and perform basic playback operations from an audio device that supports AVRCP Bluetooth technology. The MEX-BT3900U provides Play/Pause, Fast Forward/Reverse, Skip (Previous/Next), and Repeat/Shuffle playback functions.

Volume Adjustment: You can adjust the volume for each connected Bluetooth audio device from -8 to +18dB.

USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity

USB Port: The receiver's front-panel Type-A USB port can be used for plugging in a (MSC) Mass Storage Class or MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) type USB device. The head unit can play music files stored on the USB device in MP3, WMA, or AAC formats (up to 320 kbps). The head unit can recognize up to 128 folders with 500 tracks each when connected to a USB Mass Storage Device. The MEX-BT3900U offers the following USB search, playback, and display functions:

• Search Modes:
  • Quick-BrowZer: allows you to search for a track on a connected USB device easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or Playlist)
  • Jump Mode: gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10 percent increments
  • Zappin: play music (files or folders) in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your connected USB device
• Playback Modes:
  • Repeat: repeat a single track or repeat an entire album
  • Random: plays all tracks on the drive or the tracks of a specific album in random order
• Display Information:
  • Numeric Text: track number and elapsed playing time
  • Alphanumeric Text: song title, artist name, and album label

USB 1-Wire iPod/iPhone Control: The MEX-BT3900U's front-panel USB port allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone via a single cable (iPod dock connector-to-USB cable; not included with the head unit). This USB 1-Wire for iPod/iPhone connection lets you directly connect, charge, and control select iPod/iPhones via the USB jack on the front of the unit, as well as view metadata like song title and artist on the front display.

• USB Connection: The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's stored music to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound quality to be maximized through the head unit's 24-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 120dB.
• Audio Playback: The Sony head unit supports audio playback of music files stored on your iPod or iPhone.
• Music Navigation: You can choose to control the iPod/iPhone from the head unit or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen. You can browse your iPod/iPhone's music library by Artist, Album, Song, Genre, Playlist, or Podcast. In addition you can search within each category alphabetically. You can also select random and repeat functions for specific songs, playlists, or categories.
• Information Display: The head unit will also display your iPod/iPhone's music file information, including - Track number, Elapsed playing time, Song Title, Artist Name, and Album Title.
• Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB connection will power and charge your iPod/iPhone.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Sony MEX-BT3900U is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of February 2011):

Front-Panel Auxiliary Input: A front panel stereo 3.5mm mini-jack is provided to allow the connection of a portable audio source. Just connect your portable digital music player to this unit, and you can listen to the audio from the portable player through the speakers in your mobile audio system. The volume level of the auxiliary input is adjustable from -8 to +18 dB to compensate for any difference between the unit and your portable device. The aux input can be deactivated in the menu, so it does not appear as an available source.

Remote Control

Wireless Remote Control: The head unit comes supplied with an IR wireless remote control (RM-X172) for easy operation. The included wireless remote allows you to control the basic functions (including Bluetooth) of the Sony Xplod head unit while keeping your eyes on the road.

Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit to allow you to keep your vehicle's radio steering wheel remote controls when used with the optional PAC SWI-PS Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (127SWIPS, sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (120ASWC, sold separately).